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Invisible
You could say that my railroad, the Madham Line, is almost the most important thing in my life. Next to Andy Morrow, my best friend....I guess you could say that I'm not only disturbed, I'm obsessed.
Lots of people think Doug Hanson is a freak -- he gets beat up after school and the girl of his dreams calls him a worm. Doug's only refuge is building elaborate model trains in his basement and hanging out with his best friend, Andy Morrow. Andy is nothing like He's a popular football star who could date any girl in school. Despite their differences, Doug and Andy talk about everything -- except what happened at the Tuttle place a few years back.
As Doug retreats deeper and deeper into his own world, long-buried secrets come to light -- and the more he tries to keep them invisible, the looser his grip on reality becomes. In this fierce, disturbing novel, Pete Hautman spins a poignant tale about inner demons, and how far one boy will go to control them.
Lots of people think Doug Hanson is a freak -- he gets beat up after school and the girl of his dreams calls him a worm. Doug's only refuge is building elaborate model trains in his basement and hanging out with his best friend, Andy Morrow. Andy is nothing like He's a popular football star who could date any girl in school. Despite their differences, Doug and Andy talk about everything -- except what happened at the Tuttle place a few years back.
As Doug retreats deeper and deeper into his own world, long-buried secrets come to light -- and the more he tries to keep them invisible, the looser his grip on reality becomes. In this fierce, disturbing novel, Pete Hautman spins a poignant tale about inner demons, and how far one boy will go to control them.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2005
47 people are currently reading
1737 people want to read
About the author
Pete Hautman
61 books358 followersPeter Murray Hautman is an American author best known for his novels for young adults. One of them, Godless, won the 2004 National Book Award for Young People's Literature. The National Book Foundation summary is, "A teenage boy decides to invent a new religion with a new god."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 403 reviews
February 23, 2018
Okay, so I did get one thing right. bit then there was so much more. I enjoyed this as a fan of the author and of psychology.
April 28, 2008
Five years ago I read Hautman's Mr. Was. A student of mine recommended it to me. The book was weird... and more than a little bit twisted... but I enjoyed it.
Invisible continues the weird/twisted trend, but with a more linear plotline (read: mechanical) and less likable characters. Far less likeable. In fact, I'd argue that Hautman missed the boat completely with Dougie, the narrator. Dougie is clearly a disturbed individual, but Hautman peppers him with cloying asides and "quirks" that come off as a third-rate Christopher Swindon (from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time). It becomes tiresome.
The central concept of Invisible is embarrassingly apparent by page 25; even if you figure it out, don't give up. Knowing the twist added to the suspense: I constantly wondered how Hautman would tie it all together.
He does. And he doesn't. What saves Invisible from being a wash is Hatuman's pacing: it is terrifically unnerving. The chapters are short and taut, infused with a sinister edge that is typically unfound in YA novels. The book mercilessly bullets toward its denouement and skids to a satisfyingly oblique ending that neither absolves or completely punishes the actions of its characters.
Invisible continues the weird/twisted trend, but with a more linear plotline (read: mechanical) and less likable characters. Far less likeable. In fact, I'd argue that Hautman missed the boat completely with Dougie, the narrator. Dougie is clearly a disturbed individual, but Hautman peppers him with cloying asides and "quirks" that come off as a third-rate Christopher Swindon (from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time). It becomes tiresome.
The central concept of Invisible is embarrassingly apparent by page 25; even if you figure it out, don't give up. Knowing the twist added to the suspense: I constantly wondered how Hautman would tie it all together.
He does. And he doesn't. What saves Invisible from being a wash is Hatuman's pacing: it is terrifically unnerving. The chapters are short and taut, infused with a sinister edge that is typically unfound in YA novels. The book mercilessly bullets toward its denouement and skids to a satisfyingly oblique ending that neither absolves or completely punishes the actions of its characters.
April 9, 2012
(I've decided to write a small review in light of the fact I chose to re-read this book for my English class's literature circle).
Doug is a socially awkward, literal-minded middle school student who is basically ignored by everyone but a super popular kid in his own grade named Andy. Doug asserts himself when he says that he and Andy are like this --(crosses fingers)---....close, I mean... Ahem.
But there's more to Doug's relationship with Andy than meets the eye, and as your read on, you'll find that there's something dark and sinister and potentially lethal he's hidden so far away within himself that even he has forgotten, forgotten about the "Tuttle Incident"....
His father screams like a maniac; I hate people like that, people who think that JUST BECAUSE YOU SHOUT LIKE THIS YOUR SIDE OF THE ARGUMENT IS AUTOMATICALLY RIGHT!!!!! RAWR!!!! Ahem, Doug's dad never "rawred", I just added that for the funsies :D
Anyways, his mother is scatterbrained, and Doug himself is an obsessive little mite by himself. Plus he doesn't take his medication! Idiot child! You don't ever stop taking your medication! Even if it does more harm than good--in your stupid, child's opinion. Have you done at least 10 years of research and training to be able to perscribe people medication for their problems? No? Then don't stop taking them. I don't care if they make you super sleepy like horse tranquilizers, take them, wait until the next appointment, and then say, "Hey quack, these things are shit, fo' realz yo. I need me something a little lighter, kno' what I'm sayin'?" WARNING: Do not say this. Results are 1/10000 that the psychiatrist will actually take you seriously, let alone give you different medication
So the kid's an idiot, and probably a little loopy, but this is a good book overall. I highly recommend for literature circles that focus on "Mental Illness" as the theme.
Doug is a socially awkward, literal-minded middle school student who is basically ignored by everyone but a super popular kid in his own grade named Andy. Doug asserts himself when he says that he and Andy are like this --(crosses fingers)---....close, I mean... Ahem.
But there's more to Doug's relationship with Andy than meets the eye, and as your read on, you'll find that there's something dark and sinister and potentially lethal he's hidden so far away within himself that even he has forgotten, forgotten about the "Tuttle Incident"....
His father screams like a maniac; I hate people like that, people who think that JUST BECAUSE YOU SHOUT LIKE THIS YOUR SIDE OF THE ARGUMENT IS AUTOMATICALLY RIGHT!!!!! RAWR!!!! Ahem, Doug's dad never "rawred", I just added that for the funsies :D
Anyways, his mother is scatterbrained, and Doug himself is an obsessive little mite by himself. Plus he doesn't take his medication! Idiot child! You don't ever stop taking your medication! Even if it does more harm than good--in your stupid, child's opinion. Have you done at least 10 years of research and training to be able to perscribe people medication for their problems? No? Then don't stop taking them. I don't care if they make you super sleepy like horse tranquilizers, take them, wait until the next appointment, and then say, "Hey quack, these things are shit, fo' realz yo. I need me something a little lighter, kno' what I'm sayin'?" WARNING: Do not say this. Results are 1/10000 that the psychiatrist will actually take you seriously, let alone give you different medication
So the kid's an idiot, and probably a little loopy, but this is a good book overall. I highly recommend for literature circles that focus on "Mental Illness" as the theme.
May 22, 2018
This was the first book ever to make me cry. I thought the ending was so sad. I was actually quite surprised to read that people didn't understand or "get" the book. I might spoil it right here. I didn't think it was a hard read to understand, it's like one of those movies where you have to watch it a second time when you learn by the ending that something was never really there.
December 5, 2021
Slight, dark portrait of 17-year-old Dougie whose unnamed mental illness causes him to behave in erratic, disturbing ways and to become increasingly isolated from his family and peers.
Two main stories intertwine: 1). The present-time plotline that follows Dougie’s psychological and social descent as he stalks a girl at school and has to face the consequences once he’s caught, and 2). the historical plot line chronicling Dougie’s friendship with his neighbor, Andy, which, it is clear from the opening pages, is not everything it seems (and it’s pretty quickly obvious why).
Clearly and tightly written, the book makes the reader feel some empathy for this character who, in the real world, would probably not be easy to like, but it ultimately proves unsatisfying because it doesn’t really get anywhere worth going. Boy lives with mental illness. Boy’s mental illness causes him to do unfortunate things and to alienate everyone around him. Boy cannot overcome mental illness. The end.
While, sadly, this may be a pattern that all too often takes place in the real world, from the literary point of view it’s not enough.
Two main stories intertwine: 1). The present-time plotline that follows Dougie’s psychological and social descent as he stalks a girl at school and has to face the consequences once he’s caught, and 2). the historical plot line chronicling Dougie’s friendship with his neighbor, Andy, which, it is clear from the opening pages, is not everything it seems (and it’s pretty quickly obvious why).
Clearly and tightly written, the book makes the reader feel some empathy for this character who, in the real world, would probably not be easy to like, but it ultimately proves unsatisfying because it doesn’t really get anywhere worth going. Boy lives with mental illness. Boy’s mental illness causes him to do unfortunate things and to alienate everyone around him. Boy cannot overcome mental illness. The end.
While, sadly, this may be a pattern that all too often takes place in the real world, from the literary point of view it’s not enough.
September 1, 2011
Invisible has a few key characters. Doughie is the main one. Doughie is considered a nobody having one hobby and one best friend. His hobby is building elaborate model trains and his only best friend is Andy Morrow. Andy is a popular football star and drama kid (nothing at all like Doughie). Melissa is another key character, also Doughie's crush. Dougie's parents, psychiatrist, and a policeman are other key characters in the book.
Doughie is considered a freak. He gets bullied by other boys and the girls think he is weird (with all the innapropriate stares he gives them). He doesn't understand why he has to be sent to therapy or why he has to take pills. Whenever he mentions Andy (or is heard talking to him) people give him a wierd look. He has a deep fascination with fire and all he can do in art class is repeated versions of his sigil. Throughout the story Doughie tries to conceal something that happened to Andy and him at the Tuttle place few years back. The story is finally uncovered, and Doughie's life changes forever.
I think Pete Hautman's audience is teens our age. The book has many twisted and disturbing events that at first you won't understand. Thats what keeps you flipping the pages for more. Once you get to the end you can't stop thinking about the twisty ending. Its easy to read, but keeps you involved and thinking. I think its a good level for teen girls and boys who like realistic fiction.
There is a constant theme throughout the book. I say its fire. Doughie and Andy are always getting in trouble. No matter wat they get in trouble for, fire always seems to have part in it. Doughie and Andy are inseparable friends who share a morbid interest in fire. Simone Weil said "Fire destroys that which feeds it." Which is exactly what happened to Doughie and Andy.
Doughie is considered a freak. He gets bullied by other boys and the girls think he is weird (with all the innapropriate stares he gives them). He doesn't understand why he has to be sent to therapy or why he has to take pills. Whenever he mentions Andy (or is heard talking to him) people give him a wierd look. He has a deep fascination with fire and all he can do in art class is repeated versions of his sigil. Throughout the story Doughie tries to conceal something that happened to Andy and him at the Tuttle place few years back. The story is finally uncovered, and Doughie's life changes forever.
I think Pete Hautman's audience is teens our age. The book has many twisted and disturbing events that at first you won't understand. Thats what keeps you flipping the pages for more. Once you get to the end you can't stop thinking about the twisty ending. Its easy to read, but keeps you involved and thinking. I think its a good level for teen girls and boys who like realistic fiction.
There is a constant theme throughout the book. I say its fire. Doughie and Andy are always getting in trouble. No matter wat they get in trouble for, fire always seems to have part in it. Doughie and Andy are inseparable friends who share a morbid interest in fire. Simone Weil said "Fire destroys that which feeds it." Which is exactly what happened to Doughie and Andy.
October 5, 2009
"I think that this book is fantastic!. Throughout the book there is a mysterious feel about the main character (I can't remember his name). You think that you can predict what is going to happen next, but then the book does the complete opposite. The book keeps you guessing and that was what was interesting. When i was reading it, I couldn't put it down. The flow of the words was just perfect, and there wasn't so much description that made it boring. After a while though I wondered what was going to happen. The book just talked about the main character's every day life. Then in the second or third last chapter, everything changed. It was sort of hard to follow along at first but in the end it was very good. THis book is perfect for people who are looking for a short book, but a very entertaining one.
July 27, 2022
YA, dislikable psychotic protagonist
May 16, 2017
[Possible spoilers ahead]
Not my favourite book, but it was interesting. The plot, and what happened at Tuttle Place, is hella obvious fom the very beginning, which was really aggrivating.
This story follows Doug who possessivly claims Andy as his best friend, which immediately threw red flags up for me that something is up with him. As in, Andy must be dead, faking it, or doesn't exist at all. And how Andy never spoke to another character for literally the whole book. Only to Doug. Also his obsession with fire is concerning, so I know fire is a big part of something.
Doug's father ALSO TALKED LIKE THIS FOR MOST OF THE BOOK. I AM NOT SURE WHY. LOGIC. (WHICH IS ALSO DOUG'S ARGUMENT FOR EVERYTHING.)
Not my favourite book, but it was interesting. The plot, and what happened at Tuttle Place, is hella obvious fom the very beginning, which was really aggrivating.
This story follows Doug who possessivly claims Andy as his best friend, which immediately threw red flags up for me that something is up with him. As in, Andy must be dead, faking it, or doesn't exist at all. And how Andy never spoke to another character for literally the whole book. Only to Doug. Also his obsession with fire is concerning, so I know fire is a big part of something.
Doug's father ALSO TALKED LIKE THIS FOR MOST OF THE BOOK. I AM NOT SURE WHY. LOGIC. (WHICH IS ALSO DOUG'S ARGUMENT FOR EVERYTHING.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2018
I must say that this story was well written and leads the reader through twists and turns that completely alter our way of thinkng. I feel that the ending of this tragic book leaves us to interpret this in a way that we ourselves can come to terms with it. This is one book that will forever stay with me.
February 24, 2017
I read the book Invisible by Pete Hautman. In the book there is a kid named Doug Hanson and he isn’t the most popular kid in school but it doesn’t matter because all he was to do is build his model bridge. He hangs out with his best friend Andy Morrow the most popular guy in school and a football star and they share everything they know.
I liked this book because it was different from everything else I read because everything else is a sports book that I would enjoy being an athlete. This book was a good book because I liked how I felt like I was involved. The way I felt involved was i felt like I was with the main character the whole time, whenever he was with his best friend or building his bridge. I couldn’t put the book down because it was such a good read but it was also a short read once I got hooked. The book Invisible was interesting when it tugged at different emotions throughout the book with different situations that he was in. I recommend reading this book if you loved sitting down and just reading for fun.
I liked this book because it was different from everything else I read because everything else is a sports book that I would enjoy being an athlete. This book was a good book because I liked how I felt like I was involved. The way I felt involved was i felt like I was with the main character the whole time, whenever he was with his best friend or building his bridge. I couldn’t put the book down because it was such a good read but it was also a short read once I got hooked. The book Invisible was interesting when it tugged at different emotions throughout the book with different situations that he was in. I recommend reading this book if you loved sitting down and just reading for fun.
October 28, 2010
I am currently looking for quality young adult novels on the subject(s) of teen bullying, teen depression, and teen suicide. This gave me the opportunity to look more into Minnesota author, Pete Hautman. "Invisible" wasn't at all what I expected it to be. A short, fast read, it is long on thematic content. There is much her to think about and discuss. And Hautman leaves us with no pat answers - there is lots of gray area here.
Seventeen year old, Doug Hanson is a loner obsessed with model trains, drawing (the same thing over and over), fire, knives (especially his Swiss Army Victorinox), and Melissa Haverman. At first, after having recently read many books on the subject of autism, I wondered if he was on the spectrum. As he lives the present, and slowly reveals his past to the reader, it becomes clear that he is a deeply disturbed young man. Much is revealed to us through his conversations with his best friend Andy (whom we, not surprisingly, learn actually died in a fire three years earlier), conversations with his therapist, and conversations directed at the reader. Because of his tragic past, Doug fights to cope with his losses and still move through his days by immersing himself in his obsessions. His strange behaviors, which he logically defends (after all, his father mows the lawn in a suit, and the neighbor gets drunk and plays his guitar in his garage), leads to verbal, emotional, and physical bullying by his peers. When he is beaten so savagely that he ends up in the hospital, and those who attacked him are not punished, years of anger and trying to keep control lead to a frightening conclusion.
"Invisible" again points out the always destructive, sometimes deadly, consequences of teen bullying.This topic is front page news right now, as teens are committing suicide at an alarming rate (one death is too many, in my mind) as a consequence of bullying. Themes of grief, parenting, mental illness, coping mechanisms, the "crazy" things we all do, etc. take a back seat to this important message.
Intense, dark, spell-binding. Highly recommended!
Seventeen year old, Doug Hanson is a loner obsessed with model trains, drawing (the same thing over and over), fire, knives (especially his Swiss Army Victorinox), and Melissa Haverman. At first, after having recently read many books on the subject of autism, I wondered if he was on the spectrum. As he lives the present, and slowly reveals his past to the reader, it becomes clear that he is a deeply disturbed young man. Much is revealed to us through his conversations with his best friend Andy (whom we, not surprisingly, learn actually died in a fire three years earlier), conversations with his therapist, and conversations directed at the reader. Because of his tragic past, Doug fights to cope with his losses and still move through his days by immersing himself in his obsessions. His strange behaviors, which he logically defends (after all, his father mows the lawn in a suit, and the neighbor gets drunk and plays his guitar in his garage), leads to verbal, emotional, and physical bullying by his peers. When he is beaten so savagely that he ends up in the hospital, and those who attacked him are not punished, years of anger and trying to keep control lead to a frightening conclusion.
"Invisible" again points out the always destructive, sometimes deadly, consequences of teen bullying.This topic is front page news right now, as teens are committing suicide at an alarming rate (one death is too many, in my mind) as a consequence of bullying. Themes of grief, parenting, mental illness, coping mechanisms, the "crazy" things we all do, etc. take a back seat to this important message.
Intense, dark, spell-binding. Highly recommended!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2009
On the cover of this book, I thought it was a picture of a dust pan. Later I realized they were matches.
Okay, this book wasn't the best book I've ever read, but it was good. I stayed up well past midnight (on a SCHOOL night!!!) reading it, almost finishing it. I liked the story and I was anxious to find out what happened on "that night". Of course, I assumed that the two boys did something intimate, but of course I was wrong: someone died. This book was really fast-paced, and the mystery of it was so intriguing that I everything I assumed I was wrong about. There was this little symbol the main character was developing throughout the novel and soon enough, you could tell it was going to turn into fire. You could just tell. It got all spiky and shtuff.
It turned into fire.
...yyyeahh...
Anyway, the blasted plot turned into this psycho-thriller movie, something that I'm not a great fan of because they always end up the same: main character comes back to Earth and whatever person they were talking to was really dead and THEY disappear for a while, then there's some REALLY confusing hospital scene, and the dead guy comes back. So... annoying...
That's the sucky part of the book: the very end. The last two or three chapters just killed it all for me. I was so excited to read about something ELSE, but it HAD to turn into a psycho-thriller movie.
Read it if you want, but "Godless" was times better.
Okay, this book wasn't the best book I've ever read, but it was good. I stayed up well past midnight (on a SCHOOL night!!!) reading it, almost finishing it. I liked the story and I was anxious to find out what happened on "that night". Of course, I assumed that the two boys did something intimate, but of course I was wrong: someone died. This book was really fast-paced, and the mystery of it was so intriguing that I everything I assumed I was wrong about. There was this little symbol the main character was developing throughout the novel and soon enough, you could tell it was going to turn into fire. You could just tell. It got all spiky and shtuff.
It turned into fire.
...yyyeahh...
Anyway, the blasted plot turned into this psycho-thriller movie, something that I'm not a great fan of because they always end up the same: main character comes back to Earth and whatever person they were talking to was really dead and THEY disappear for a while, then there's some REALLY confusing hospital scene, and the dead guy comes back. So... annoying...
That's the sucky part of the book: the very end. The last two or three chapters just killed it all for me. I was so excited to read about something ELSE, but it HAD to turn into a psycho-thriller movie.
Read it if you want, but "Godless" was times better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2010
I'm really surprised at how much I liked this. I checked Invisible out of the library on the recommendation of a librarians helper and once I got it home I really wasn't expecting to finish it, much less like it. My hope fell even lower when it dawned on me (on the first page) that trains are a big part of the book. I have no interest in trains if that needs to be said
So, I have this thing with not finishing books so I always give them my best shot and I'm glad I do because this is worth reading. I have to admit to being shocked at the whole Andy thing. I was on a totally different plane with that one. Somewhere in the first quarter I started smirking to myself, thinking I knew what was supposed to be learned later. But Hautman got one over on me. I'm still surprised at how interesting and well intigrated the aspect of trains were too.
The fact that Doug's "problems" weren't megaphoned out to the reader was exciting and it left it up to the reader to decide what was happening with him. The fact that it wasn't spelled out did a lot for the book I think.
I'm definitely going to check out Hautman's other titles. I'd certainly recommend this to young readers, male reluctant readers especially although I think females could relate to Doug just as well in a lot of cases.
So, I have this thing with not finishing books so I always give them my best shot and I'm glad I do because this is worth reading. I have to admit to being shocked at the whole Andy thing. I was on a totally different plane with that one. Somewhere in the first quarter I started smirking to myself, thinking I knew what was supposed to be learned later. But Hautman got one over on me. I'm still surprised at how interesting and well intigrated the aspect of trains were too.
The fact that Doug's "problems" weren't megaphoned out to the reader was exciting and it left it up to the reader to decide what was happening with him. The fact that it wasn't spelled out did a lot for the book I think.
I'm definitely going to check out Hautman's other titles. I'd certainly recommend this to young readers, male reluctant readers especially although I think females could relate to Doug just as well in a lot of cases.
January 15, 2019
Invisible tells the story of seventeen-year-old Dougie, a "troubled" young man whose only friend is Andy Morrow. Doug spends most of his time building a remarkably detailed train model, talking to Andy, and peeping on his crush, Melissa, who calls him a worm.
However, even knowing this, the book is weirdly captivating. I'm used to YA protagonists being relatable, or at least someone you're rooting for. Dougie is most decidedly not. I was torn between wanting to be sympathetic - Dougie's obsessive behavior and inability to lie speak to an almost autistic understanding of the world - but clearly Dougie has some major issues that profoundly affect his ability to function in the real world.
Overall, a decent, compelling book, and one that's not afraid to take chances - which, for a YA book, is refreshing in and of itself.
However, even knowing this, the book is weirdly captivating. I'm used to YA protagonists being relatable, or at least someone you're rooting for. Dougie is most decidedly not. I was torn between wanting to be sympathetic - Dougie's obsessive behavior and inability to lie speak to an almost autistic understanding of the world - but clearly Dougie has some major issues that profoundly affect his ability to function in the real world.
Overall, a decent, compelling book, and one that's not afraid to take chances - which, for a YA book, is refreshing in and of itself.
January 29, 2009
I just finished Invisible. It was short (140-some pages) and while I'd normally attribute that to how quick the read was I have to say this book was engrossing. I suspected out the plot twist fairly early on, but that didn't stop me from being interested in where it was going and that's a plug for the writing. I really liked that this was my second YA book to prove to me that people are writing books about the "other" kids in the world. The main character in this story is a social outcast and while he does have troubles beyond the normal realm of a regular teen, I think a good portion of this story is illuminating the life of the invisible kid in school. Granted now I'm not sure if combining the outcast story with the story of a kid with real mental problems is a good precedent for students to read: instead of showing them the human, relatable side of kids they don't normally notice/like, it almost gives them an excuse to discount them more and assume they're all "disturbed". Something to think about. But still a good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2011
Students have been recommending Hautman's books for years, but it wasn't until this weekend that I finally picked one up. I'm slapping myself that I didn't read his work sooner.
The story is told from the perspective of its narrator, 17 year-old Doug Hanson. Doug lives next door to his best friend, Andy Morrow. The two boys could not be more different: Doug is a model-train obsessed outsider who dreams of a romance with one of the "pretty girls" but can never make himself talk to her; Andy is the football team's starting quarterback and acts in school plays.
This novel reminds me of Chris Lynch's Inexcusable Even from the beginning of the novel, something is off about Dougie. Like Lynch's Keir, the way Doug tells his stories and the details he chooses to avoid hint that his interpretations of events isn't entirely factual.
This isn't Hautman's most celebrated work, yet I was was engaged from start to finish, Given how much I enjoyed watching Doug develop as a character, I am certain this will not be the last Hautman novel I read.
The story is told from the perspective of its narrator, 17 year-old Doug Hanson. Doug lives next door to his best friend, Andy Morrow. The two boys could not be more different: Doug is a model-train obsessed outsider who dreams of a romance with one of the "pretty girls" but can never make himself talk to her; Andy is the football team's starting quarterback and acts in school plays.
This novel reminds me of Chris Lynch's Inexcusable Even from the beginning of the novel, something is off about Dougie. Like Lynch's Keir, the way Doug tells his stories and the details he chooses to avoid hint that his interpretations of events isn't entirely factual.
This isn't Hautman's most celebrated work, yet I was was engaged from start to finish, Given how much I enjoyed watching Doug develop as a character, I am certain this will not be the last Hautman novel I read.
July 7, 2009
I don't like this book, as I didn't like Godless. Maybe I just don't get it. Douglas MacArthur Hanson is 17 and obsessed with model trains. He's constructed an entire town, Madham, the size of two ping pong tables in his basement. His current project is a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge made of matchsticks. Doug's best - only- friend is Andy Morrow. Doug's parents are/seem as odd as Doug. The question the story poses for me is whether Doug is disturbed, and if so, why? His voice seems too immature for 17 - though that may be intentional, as a consequence of his problem. Still, it is distracting. Once Doug is revealed as an unreliable narrator, the ending of the book is more confusing than resolved. Although it is intended for a YA audience, it is completely without hope.
June 8, 2014
Pardon my language for those of you that take offense to this but: HOLY SHIT... I'm still speechless about how it all ended. It's one of the shortest books I've ever read, but so much happens in it that it's left a great impression on me. For those of you that are in need of a quick and easy read: pick this up. If you're trying to recommend a book to someone who isn't much of a book reading kind of person: this is the exact book for them. I don't blame Doug in the end for what he did to himself, but I wish that he would've been the better person and just let go of the past.
October 17, 2016
Invisible is about a boy named Dougie and his best friend Andy. Dougie is very shy and awkward but Andy is popular. Dougies parents think he is troubled so they send him to a therapist which Dougie thinks he doesn't need. Throughout the book Dougie is working on a bridge for his train set that his grandfather gave to him. I liked the plot twist and suspense. I didn't like that the beginning was slow moving and boring. I would recommend this book to someone who likes suspense.
May 30, 2011
Oh. My. God. Talk about a twist ending.
This is a beautiful (and somewhat frightening) story about friendship that can't be described with words. The sarcastic and popular Andy and the quiet and severely depressed Dougie are both amazing characters. I cried over this book- and I haven't cried over a book in a while. It's a brilliant story.
This is a beautiful (and somewhat frightening) story about friendship that can't be described with words. The sarcastic and popular Andy and the quiet and severely depressed Dougie are both amazing characters. I cried over this book- and I haven't cried over a book in a while. It's a brilliant story.
November 15, 2012
THE HECK WAS THIS. It was kinda normal in the beginning...but it's like a mix between The Sixth Sense and The Twilight Zone. I wish it was longer, but it was nice that I read it in only a day. Anyway, I recommend this because there's lots of twists, and even though it's so short, the plot and the symbols and everything are great. It's a mystery.
July 28, 2016
Pete Hatuman is just a flat-out talented writer. I love how real his characters are and how they give you a chance to look at things from perspectives you couldn't consider. Most of all I love the very honest way his characters go about making sense of their lives and the big questions we all consider.
November 3, 2018
I was pretty disappointed by this book. It’s written in a choppy style that made me wish I had a red pen to mark revisions, but what I really didn’t like about it is the stereotypes of mental illness it helps perpetuate. I have never rated a book with just one star on here but this book just missed the mark entirely.
February 2, 2013
the ending was what really boggled my mind. Whether it is in Doug's imagination that leads him to smelling burnt plastic and seeing "Madham Burn Unit" or he has died and Madham Hospital is his place of rest is not revealed, and that is driving me crazy!
May 1, 2013
So far the greatest book I have ever read in my entire life. This book had me on the edge of my chair the entire time. I almost cried at the end though. Extremely dramatic twists in this book. Great book! I encourage everyone in Highschool to read this.
January 6, 2016
I really liked invisible because it had a very funny main character. He liked to have fun but was a bit quirky. It has good suspicion to it. Im not too sure very many girls would like it but I would recommend it to all of my friends.
February 6, 2017
So moving....the ending made me cry :'(
February 26, 2019
INVISIBLE
Page historylast edited by RichiesPicks 9 years, 6 months ago
7 May 2005 INVISIBLE by Pete Hautman, Simon & Schuster, June 2005, ISBN: 0-689-86800-6
"Trouble
Oh trouble set me free
I have seen your face
And it's too much too much for me
Trouble
Oh trouble can't you see
You're eating my heart away
And there's nothing much left of me"
--Cat Stevens, "Trouble"
Pete Hautman's INVISIBLE is going to make for one hot booktalk.
"My full and proper name is Douglas MacArthur Hanson. I am named after Douglas MacArthur, the famous general, who was a second cousin of my father's great-aunt. Everyone on my father's side is named after some famous person we are supposedly related to. My father's name is Henry Clay Hanson. Henry Clay was a politician who died before the Civil War. He was my grandfather's cousin's great-uncle. Or something like that. It goes on and on. Since my grandfather's name was George Washington Hanson, I guess I'm related to the father of our country too. Anyway, I'm glad I got named after a general instead of a politician. I think it makes me sound more respectable.
"Usually when I meet someone for the first time, I tell them my full and proper name. Then I say, 'But you can call me General.' Some people find this amusing. Andy always laughs. Sometimes he calls me General, just to tease me. I don't mind. I kind of like it. I am very easy to get along with.
"My mother would not agree with that. She finds me difficult. In fact, she thinks that I am troubled and disturbed. I find it troubling that she finds me disturbing, so she must be right.
"Right?"
In a spectacular and tense piece of writing that recalls my favorite Cormier novel, I AM THE CHEESE, but with the strings pulled even tighter, Pete Hautman has created a disturbingly real character whose troubled life will cause you nightmares.
" 'Haven't I seen you somewhere in hell,
or was it just an accident?' "
--Jimi Hendrix, "My Friend"
Dougie is a loner who is thoroughly obsessed with the model train world he has created in the basement, with numbers and order, and with the beautiful Melissa Haverman. His best friend and next door neighbor, the popular Andy Morrow, is both a drama kid and the star quarterback on the football team.
"And it's burn baby burn
When am I going to get my turn?"
--Bruce Cockburn, "Burn"
"Do I strike you as troubled?
"Let me give you some facts and figures. I am seventeen years old. I am a junior at Fairview Central. I have never skipped school and I have a 3.4 grade point average. I do not use drugs or alcohol. I have never been seriously ill. I have never broken a bone, lost a limb, or had an organ removed. I am scrupulously honest, except for necessary lies. I sleep well at night. I am not a loner. I have a best friend."
Do NOT believe him.
And do NOT start reading INVISIBLE if you have to be anywhere important in the next couple of hours.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
June 20, 2018
Invisible by Pete Hautman was a book that relates to a common feeling in society. Many people feel isolation in society and the author depicts this feeling through "Dougie" Hanson the main character. Dougie spends a lot of his time working on his model train and society called Madham. Doug Hanson is the focus of the story and we are shown how he has no friends besides a boy named Andy. Dougie gets in quite a few cases of trouble and it seems Andy is always involved. This author notifies the readers of the fact that Dougie has to go to a therapist and take medicine but it doesn't seem to be a pressing matter. As Dougies outburst become more frequent and pressing his parents worry and question what to do with him. The final straw comes when Dougie calls in a bomb threat to the school and says it was Andy who I thought to be alive the whole time. It is revealed that Andy died in the tragic accident that Dougie and Andy "don't like to talk about". The trauma Dougie experienced has caused him to imagine Andys existence and he has been living his life as if Andy were always there with him. The story all comes together in the end to give a reason to why Dougie may be an outcast.
The outcast/ isolated feeling Dougie has can connect to how many people feel. Dougie creates this new Andy to live with him and help him through life even after he is gone. The theme of the story seems to be that you cannot live in the past as the future doesn't always connect to it. We see this as the whole story comes to an end. Personally I was wondering if there were connections to Dougies outbursts,behaviors and the way people glared at him and treated him. The end shows that Dougies actions are more or less justified as he suffered the loss of his best friends at a young age in a very tragic fashion. The theme comes in when we see the trouble that Dougie gets into living the way he is. He needed to move on and get help instead of rejecting the therapy and medication. The authors style is to tell events seem connected but cannot be justified till the end where it all comes together. This style makes the reader seriously ponder why some things are happening throughout the story but the reason becomes clear when we find out Andy is actually dead.
The outcast/ isolated feeling Dougie has can connect to how many people feel. Dougie creates this new Andy to live with him and help him through life even after he is gone. The theme of the story seems to be that you cannot live in the past as the future doesn't always connect to it. We see this as the whole story comes to an end. Personally I was wondering if there were connections to Dougies outbursts,behaviors and the way people glared at him and treated him. The end shows that Dougies actions are more or less justified as he suffered the loss of his best friends at a young age in a very tragic fashion. The theme comes in when we see the trouble that Dougie gets into living the way he is. He needed to move on and get help instead of rejecting the therapy and medication. The authors style is to tell events seem connected but cannot be justified till the end where it all comes together. This style makes the reader seriously ponder why some things are happening throughout the story but the reason becomes clear when we find out Andy is actually dead.
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